Definition
琴 (qín) originally refers to the guqin, an ancient Chinese zither, but it can also mean any string or keyboard instrument (piano, violin, etc.). It contrasts with the general term 乐器 (yuèqì), which covers ALL types of musical instruments (wind, brass, percussion). When saying 'play an instrument', 琴 is often used as part of the verb 弹琴, while 乐器 is paired with 演奏.
noun
guqin (ancient Chinese zither)musical instrument (esp. string or keyboard instruments)
Easily confused
- 含hánlook-aliketo keep in the mouth
- 亲qīnsound-alikeadjective: close, intimate, one's own (flesh and blood)
- 贪tānlook-alike(verb) to covet, to be greedy for (e.g., money, pleasure)
Examples
- 。Tā tán qín hěn hǎotīng.His playing of the guqin sounds beautiful.
- 琴？Nǐ měitiān liàn qín duō cháng shíjiān?How long do you practice the instrument every day?
- 琴。Gāngqín shì tā zuì xǐhuan de qín.The piano is his favorite instrument.
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